English country, like many interior decorating styles, has several distinctive sub styles. English country takes on different faces to reflect the different types of English country homes, from the imposing manor to the cozy cottage. When decorating your bedroom in English country style, first decide if you want to achieve the more formal look of a country manor or the pastoral charm of a country cottage. But no matter which sub style you choose, the emphasis of English country interior design is on bringing the tranquil elements of an English garden indoors.

The Formal English Country Bedroom

To attain the English country look that would be found in a country manor choose a darker color palette for the walls, floor and window treatments. Cover the walls in true English country style with a combination of floral or striped wallpaper and paint in jewel colors like jades, heritage pinks, wine shades, deep rose or periwinkle blue. For a more formal English country décor, autumnal colors would work as well. Another option for the walls is to start with wallpaper or paint and pair it with dark wood paneling. If wood paneling doesn’t fit your decorating budget, paper or paint the walls but add a chair rail for visual interest.

Use a mix of floral and striped patterns in heavier materials, such as velvets, for the curtains and any bedside table coverings you might use. Area rugs should be thick and plush, richly patterned and in deeper shades of reds, browns and blues, Persian or Oriental in style. Throws and accent pillows like bolsters and neck rolls should have tassels. Bedding is a mix of floral, stripes and solid colors. If floral patterns aren’t to your personal taste, choose a bedding set that has a textured pattern such as diamond or scroll motif.

Furniture is made of medium to dark woods like cherry, oak and mahogany. Finishes are medium to dark as well, with matte, distressed or softly polished finishes. The bed should be the focal point of the room; typically an impressive four poster bed. If the ceiling of your bedroom won’t accommodate tall posts, select a bed with shorter posts. Another viable choice for a formal English country style room is the sleigh bed.

While looking as though it is fit for a country mansion, the bedroom furnishings still should possess a country charm with classical decorative detailing such as fluted posts, curved moldings and blunt arrow or bun feet. Lines and profiles of dressers, nightstands and armoires, should be curvy and fluid. Not as stylized or “busy” as traditional furniture, English country is still formal but outlines are more relaxed with softer shapes. When adding seating such as an armchair or bed bench, again toile or floral patterns would come into play and the seating areas and the arms of the chair would be overstuffed.

Accessorizing the formal English country bedroom is an exercise in “more is more” but in a way that avoids the space from appearing cramped and cluttered. Jugs of flowers are a must. Include china figurines, knickknacks and other collectibles that have a pastoral theme. Picture frames are of different shapes like oval, square and rectangular with intricate decoration.

The Informal English Country Bedroom

For an English country look that would be found in a cozy English country cottage choose lighter colors for the walls, pastel yellows, greens, mauves, sky blues and pinks. Stenciling is a popular decorative accent for both the walls and furnishings. Wallpaper in a small floral pattern such as rosebuds or forget-me-nots would be most suitable. Wallpaper or a paint color paired with wood paneling is also appropriate, but the paneling would have a lighter wood or washed finish.

Use a mix of floral and striped patterns in chintz, wool or cotton for drapes, bedding and accent pillows. Area rugs should have a comfortable, woven appearance. If you decide to use a Persian or Oriental rug, select one in lighter or pastel colors. Again, as in our more formal English county interior design, bedding will be a mix of floral, stripes and solid colors.

While English country furniture is generally made of wood in lighter finishes such as white or pine, a bed made of brass or a metal bed with a white finish would not be out of place. Anything that will make the room feel welcoming and lived in will work to create the desired overall effect.

For an authentic look furnishings should include at least one of the following: an armoire, a hand-painted chest or an over-stuffed bed bench.

Select a bedding set with as many different textures as possible such as accent pillows in plaids, wools and stripes and a quilted comforter. Accessorize with personal touches. Include artwork with an English countryside theme or small “samplers” of embroidered English proverbs or sayings.